Downhill ski training method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An instructional device for an instructor to use with a student for downhill skiing is disclosed. In use, the instructor skis to the side and behind the student skier. A curved extension member is provided at the end of a shaft and is placed against the student skier&#39;s midsection to provide stability and balance for the student. Two student handles can be attached to the extension member. The student handles serve two purposes. The device can be easily converted for use either from the student&#39;s right side or left side, depending on the instructor&#39;s preference. Second, the student handles can be added as the student progresses to help correctly position the student&#39;s hands and develop good posture for the eventual use of ski poles. An instructor handle is located along the shaft. The instructor handle may be adjustable along the length of the shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/910,993, filed Oct. 10, 2019, entitled, “A DOWNHILLSKI TRAINING METHOD AND APPARATUS.” The disclosure of this priorityapplication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into thepresent application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to alpine skiing; and more particularlyto a method and apparatus for teaching downhill skiing skills anddeveloping student confidence on snow skis.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of methods and training aids often used to teachstudents downhill skiing. One of the most common methods used with smallchildren is for the instructor to ski with his or her skis spaced wideapart and then position the child between the instructor's skis (e.g.,between the legs of the instructor). Another method has the instructorskiing downhill backwards in front of the student. However, both ofthese methods have drawbacks in that the student is not learning naturalbalance and may create risks if the student falls. In addition, in thelatter case, the instructor is skiing blindly backwards down the hill.This may lead to unintended collisions with objects, other skiers,moguls, ice, etc.

There are training systems that include reins or straps attached to astudent skier via a belt or shoulder harness. Other styles of harnessesare not attached to a skier, but instead include a loop that encirclesthe student around the midsection or include a short straight bar thatis located at the midsection. In the latter case, the student skier cangrip the bar near the ends and the reins are attached to the ends. Stillother harness training systems are attached to the boots of the studentskier.

Each of these rein related systems have drawbacks. More specifically,use of the reins attached to the skier or connecting with the skier'smidsection create a tendency for the student to lean forward. Further,the instructor may not be able to see all obstacles in front of thestudent as the reins place the instructor directly behind the student.In addition, this type of aid does not allow the student's upper bodyand hands full freedom to find the natural balance, introduce the use ofski poles and/or provide a solid object to grasp while developingconfidence in his or her balance.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus whichis capable of teaching downhill skiing skills and developing studentconfidence on snow skis. The present invention addresses these needs inthe art.

SUMMARY

A preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention includes adevice that allows for both the young student and the instructor to havefull visibility both downhill and to the sides. In use, the instructoris positioned to the side and behind the student. This provides apositioning between the student and instructor that promotes visibilityso that the instructor can see obstacles and promotes safety if thestudent falls.

The device includes one or more handles for the instructor to grasp. Anoptional or removable handle may be attached to a shaft at a proximalend. If the handle is not included, then the instructor may grasp theend of the shaft. Preferably there is a handle for the instructor tograsp located between the midsection and proximal end of the shaft. Insome embodiments, this handle is adjustable to different positions onthe shaft to accommodate different size and height differences betweenthe instructor and student.

Attached to the distal end of the shaft is an extension member. Theextension member generally forms an oblique angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the shaft. The extension member preferably has arounded shape in order to fit passively around the skier's midsection.The device is constructed of a rigid material to provide properergonomics, stability and balance for both the instructor and student.

One advantage of the device is that the instructor is able to controlthe student's speed by matching and controlling his or her own speed,and then slowing the student by applying pressure through the deviceagainst the midsection of the student. Another advantage is due to theinstructor being able to selectively place the device against theskier's midsection. This insures that the arms of the student arecompletely free which assists the student in both learning and gainingbalance. Yet another advantage is that use of the device and methodprovides training and building skills without direct touch or contact(and creating distance between the instructor and student). Stillfurther, another advantage of the device and method is that it can beused with adaptive skiers.

An optional feature of the device is that once proper balance has beenachieved by the student, two handles can be attached to the extensionmember. By grasping the handles, the student may be introduced to theconcept of ski poles. The handles may be removable or rotatable (i.e.,from an in-use position to a folded out of the way position when not inuse). Accordingly, the device provides a teaching and learning aid fordownhill alpine skiing, designed for improved safety, security andsimplicity.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided aski trainer device, comprising a shaft, the shaft including a proximalend, a distal end, and having a longitudinal axis; a grip or handle iscooperatively connected to the proximal end; and an extension memberconnected to the distal end, the extension member having a mean axis,the mean axis forming an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinalaxis of the shaft.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a skitraining method for a ski instructor using a training device, thetraining device including a shaft having a first end and a second end,the shaft further including an instructor handle located between thefirst end and the second end, and an extension member located at thesecond end of the shaft and forming an oblique angle relative to theshaft, the method comprising: grasping the first end of the shaft andthe instructor handle of the training device; skiing to the side andbehind a student skier; extending the training device to engage themidsection of the student skier with the extension member, whereby thespeed of the student skier may be controlled by the ski instructor.

According to another aspect of the invention of the previous paragraph,the hands of the student skier may be placed on the extension member oron student handles located on the extension member.

While the invention will be described with respect to preferredembodiment configurations and with respect to particular components andstructures, it will be understood that the invention is not to beconstrued as limited in any manner by either such components andstructures described herein. Instead, the principles of this inventionextend to any method and apparatus in accordance with the claims.

These and other variations of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of theinvention. The advantages and features which characterize the inventionare pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto andforming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention,however, reference should be had to the drawings which form a parthereof and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there isillustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like partsthroughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment ski training aid device inaccordance with the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the device of FIG. 1 in use with thestudent grasping the device.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the device of FIG. 1 in use with thestudent holding their arms out for balance.

FIG. 4 a is an illustration of an embodiment of the device of FIG. 1including detachable handles located on the extension member.

FIG. 4 b illustrates the detachable handles of FIG. 4 a with the handlesin place.

FIG. 5 illustrates the device in use with a student grasping the handlesof FIG. 4 b.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the mean longitudinal axes of the shaft11 and extension member 17 and the angle α formed by the mean axes.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate an embodiment of fittings which may be usedin connection with adjusting the handle on the shaft of the device ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the steps taken with the device in use as ateaching aid.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the ski training aid device ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the extension member 17′ of the skitraining aid device 10′ of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is an enlarged portion of the perspective view of FIG. 10illustrating the rotation of the handles 21′.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the handle 15′ of the ski training aiddevice of FIG. 9 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles of the present invention apply particularly well to itsapplication as a training aid for downhill (or Alpine) skiing. Theinstructional device allows for both the student and the instructor tohave full visibility both downhill and to the sides. Turning to FIG. 1 ,with the instructional device 10, the instructor skis to the side andbehind the skier (best seen in FIG. 2 ). The rounded extension member 17of the device 10 fits passively around the student skier's midsectionand provides proper ergonomics, stability and balance for the student aswell as the instructor. With this positioning, the arms of the studentare completely free—thereby assisting the student in learning andgaining balance.

Once proper balance has been achieved by the student, two easily removedand replaced handles 21 (best seen in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b ) can beattached to the extension member 17. The detachable handles 21 serve twopurposes. First, the device can be easily converted for use either fromthe student's right side or left side, depending on the instructor'spreference. Second, the handles 21 can be added as the studentprogresses to help correctly position the student's hands and developgood posture for the eventual use of ski poles.

Utilizing the device 10, the instructor has total control of the skier'sspeed, which gives the student a significant sense of security andassists in gaining balance and positioning of the skis in both wedge(slowing and stopping) and parallel (for increased speed) situations.

As the student progresses further, the device 10 can easily be pulledaway from the student while skiing. This creates a situation where theyare allowed to ski freely and unencumbered. Alternatively, the device 10can be readily replaced back around the student midsection should therebe a loss of control, another skier or obstacle creates a situationrequiring additional control and/or some other situation arises wherethere is a need to prevent possibility of injury.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , a device 10 constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention will be described in moredetail. The device 10 includes a shaft 11 having a proximal end 12 and adistal end 13 (i.e., proximal and distal from an instructor when inuse). The device further includes one or more instructor handles 14, 15for an instructor to grasp.

First, an optional and/or removable handle or grip may be attached tothe shaft 11 at the proximal end 12 at void 140. The handle ispreferably similar to the handles 21 shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b .However, it will be appreciated that handles with differing geometriesand structures may be provided. If the optional handle is not includedor has been removed, then the instructor may grasp the proximal end 12of the shaft 11. A knob or enlarged section (e.g., similar to the knobon a baseball bat)(not shown) may also be located at the proximal end 12to help the instructor grip the device 12.

Second handle 15 is for the instructor's use and is mounted on the shaftbetween the midsection of the shaft 11 (indicated at dotted line 16) andproximal end 12 of the shaft 11. Handle 15 may be integrally formed withthe shaft 11, may be secured with a fitting (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7 aand 7 b ), or may be affixed thereto (e.g., with glue, screws, tape,etc.). As shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b , a friction fitting 25 may be usedwith a securing member 26 that brings the fitting 25 into a tightengagement with the shaft 11. It will be appreciated by those of skillin the art that in this arrangement a fitting 25 is located at each endof the second handle 15. An advantage of this arrangement is that thesecond handle 15 may then be moved up and down the shaft 11 toaccommodate different size and height students—as well as the comfortand preference of the instructor.

Extension member 17 is located at the distal end 13 of shaft 11.Extension member 17 includes an outward facing surface 19 and an inwardfacing surface 18. The inward facing surface is arranged and configuredto be placed on or around the midsection of a student skier.Accordingly, a rounded surface 18 will generally provide a morecomfortable surface area to engage the student's midsection and spreadthe forces (e.g., created when slowing a student skier) over a largerarea. However, other inward facing surfaces 18 may also be used. Forexample, straight, diagonal and two surfaces coming together at anoblique angle might be used for surface 18.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a diagrammatic view illustrating the angle αformed by the mean axis 28 of the shaft 11 and the mean axis 27 of theextension member 17 is provided. The mean axis 28 of the shaft isgenerally formed by the longitudinal axis of the shaft 11. However, theshaft 11 may include curves in some embodiments. The angle α ispreferably an oblique angle. However, a right angle may also be used. Anacute angle may tend to create a pinch point between the inward facingsurface 18 and the midsection of the student. However, the principles ofthe invention may still be practiced with such an arrangement.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B, in some embodiments extensionmember 17 may include voids 20 in which removable student handles 21 maybe selectively inserted and affixed. In one embodiment, handles 21include a screw, channel lock, or keyhole element which extends throughextension member 17. Complementary corresponding elements 22 have asuitable thread or other device to secure the handles 21. The handles 21preferably include a diameter and length that is sized for the student.Accordingly, in some embodiments, different size handles 21 may beutilized depending on the student. FIG. 5 illustrates the handles 21 inplace with a child student skier grasping the same.

In a preferred embodiment, the various components of the device 10 areconstructed of molded or injectable plastic. However, wood, aluminum,and other materials might be used. A design consideration for someembodiments of device 10 is that it will generally be used in coldweather. Accordingly, wood and plastic may be preferred due to heattransfer and comfort to the instructor. Another design consideration isthat the device 10 is preferably constructed of a material that has astrength and rigidity for proper ergonomics, stability and balance forboth the instructor and student. Further, preferably all edges, handles,extensions etc. are chamfered or rounded to eliminate sharp edges.

In use, the device 10 may help with at least three major componentsuseful for students to learn when beginning downhill alpine skiing.Learning these three components help the student gain control andessential mastery of their skis. Balance is the critical and necessaryfirst step followed by weight transfer and confidence. The presentdevice 10 provides a device and method to address each component. It isanticipated that students of various physical abilities may be taughtusing the device 10. Accordingly, while the term “mastery of their skis”is mentioned, it is recognized that for some students, the outcome maybe competence, enjoyment, and/or a new experience.

According to some embodiments, a method employing the training device 10may be used to advance a student through a progression of the threecomponents described in the preceding paragraph. The method isillustrated in FIG. 8 generally at 800 and begins at 801.

Early balance, and then confidence, is achieved by allowing the studentto grasp and hold the extension member 17 (as shown in FIG. 2 ). Itallows the student to easily stand while sliding their skis. By doingso, acquiring the necessary balance is facilitated while the student'sspeed is completely controlled by the instructor. This initial step isreflected at block 802.

Once early balance (and the fear of falling or going too fast isachieved), the student can begin to utilize their arms by letting go ofthe extension member 17 and allowing it to passively rest against themidsection (as shown in FIG. 3 ). At this step, the student advancestheir sense of balance. This further allows the student to confidentlyfocus and learn proper body and ski positioning—as well as the weightdistribution and transfer necessary for the sliding and gliding motionof the skis. All of which is necessary for turning, speed control andstopping techniques. This second step is reflected at block 803.

As skills and confidence are achieved using the device 10, theinstructor can selectively employ the device 10 against the midsectionof the student and/or control the pressure against the midsection asneeded. This step is reflected at block 804.

Further at block 805, as the student continues to gain skills andconfidence, the removable handles 21 on the extension member can beadded (as shown in FIG. 5 ), to simulate the proper body and handpositioning for the future utilization of ski poles. This step isreflected at block 805 of FIG. 8 . The method ends at 806. It will beappreciated that the method as described herein does not require thatthe steps recited in FIG. 8 need to be performed in a sequentialsequence.

Referring next to FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of the ski trainingaid device 10 is illustrated. The alternative embodiment device isillustrated generally at 10′. The device 10′ includes an instructorhandle 15′ between proximal end 12 and distal end 13 of shaft 11′.Extension member 17′ is connected at distal end 13. Two foldable handles21′ are cooperatively connected to the extension member 17′.

The shaft 11′ may be constructed with aluminum, with the remainingelements of the alternative embodiment device 10′ constructed ofinjected or molded plastic. However, other materials may be used asdiscussed above in connection with device 10. Also, one design choicewhich may be advantageous is to select materials and/or material colorssuch that the device 10′ is visible if dropped or left lying on the snow(e.g., a color that is visible when lying on white snow). Thealternative embodiment device 10′ operates substantially in the mannerdescribed above in connection with device 10. However, some structuraldifferences exist, including the rotation of the student handles 21′ andthe instructor handle 15′ connection to shaft 11′ as will be describedin the following paragraphs.

Now referring to FIG. 10 , a perspective view of the extension member17′ is illustrated. Connector 53 connects with shaft 11′. In the eventthat the extension member 17′ and shaft 11′ are not of unitaryconstruction, such connection may be made by adhesive, compression fit,barbed or press fit engagement, and/or screws, among other connectionmethods. Extension member 17′ includes an outward facing surface 19′ andan inward facing surface 18′. Voids 51 are formed in the extensionmember 17′ to create spaces into which handles 21′ may be rotated whennot in use (best seen in FIGS. 9 and 11 ). Slots 52 are provided withinthe voids 51 and into which rotational axes of the handles 21′ arelocated.

FIG. 11 illustrates the rotation of handle 21′ up out of the mean planeformed by extension member 17′ and to within the void 51, the void 51being located generally within the mean plane formed by extension member17′, along path of rotation 56. Each of the handles 21′ may optionallybe rotatable into an up out of the mean plane position on either side ofthe mean plane formed by the extension member 17′. In some embodiments,an axis member is included on either side of handle 21′ and extendsthrough the slots 52. The axis member extends into a member such as afriction fit member that can take a circular, some portion of a circleor horseshoe shape (not shown) which is located beneath member cover 54.The member cover 54 engages with a complementary cover on the other faceof extension member 17′. The pair of member covers 54 are sized toengage with the member to provide enough friction that the handles 21′remain in the desired position. Alternatively, a detent may be used tomaintain the desired position. The bushing cover 54 and its complementare connected with screws 55 or other fastening devices. Optionally, themember may take the form of a bushing or bearing element.

Turning to FIG. 12 , an alternative instructor handle 15′ isillustrated. The handle 15′ engages with shaft 11′. The handle includesa body 57 having a void 61 through which shaft 11′ is inserted.Accordingly, the external portion of shaft 11′ engages with the internalsurface 60 of body 57. The handle 15′ may be affixed to the shaft 11′ ormay be adjustable. In the case of being affixed, any number of knownmethods including adhesive, screws, set screws, etc. may be used. In thecase of being adjustable, set screws, detents, significant frictionengagement and other methods may be employed.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the principles ofthis invention apply to a method and apparatus for downhill skitraining. While particular embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with respect to its application, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the invention is not limited by suchapplication or embodiment or the particular components disclosed anddescribed herein. Further while the description refers to the device 10being placed against the student's midsection, it will be appreciatedthat such description is approximate and that the device in practice mayactually be placed above (ribs) or below (pelvis) the midsection of thestudent without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Accordingly, other components that embody the principles of thisinvention can be configured within the spirit and intent of thisinvention. The arrangement described herein is provided as only oneexample of an embodiment that incorporates and practices the principlesof this invention. Other modifications and alterations are well withinthe knowledge of those skilled in the art and are to be included withinthe broad scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ski trainer device, comprising: a) a singleshaft, the shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a midsectionand having a longitudinal axis; b) a grip cooperatively connected to theproximal end of the shaft; and c) an extension member, the extensionmember having a connected end and a free end, the extension member beingconnected to the distal end of the shaft solely at the connected end,the extension member having a mean axis, the mean axis of the extensionmember forming an angle α with the longitudinal axis of the shaft,wherein the angle α is an oblique angle.
 2. The ski trainer device ofclaim 1, further comprising an instructor handle cooperatively connectedto the shaft between the proximal and distal end of the shaft.
 3. Theski trainer device of claim 2, wherein the instructor handle isadjustable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
 4. The ski trainerdevice of claim 1, wherein the ski trainer device is constructed of arigid plastic.
 5. The ski trainer device of claim 1, wherein the angle αis between 90 and 150 degrees.
 6. The ski trainer device of claim 1,wherein the extension member has a curved inwardly facing surface,whereby the curved inwardly facing surface is arranged and configured tobe placed against a body of a student skier.
 7. The ski trainer deviceof claim 1, further comprising a left and right removable student handlethat are each secured, when in use, in corresponding voids in theextension member.
 8. The ski trainer of claim 1, further comprising leftand right student handles rotatable between first and second positions,wherein in the first position the student handles extend up out of amean plane formed by the extension member when in use and in the secondposition lie within the mean plane of the extension member when not inuse.
 9. A ski training method for a ski instructor using a trainingdevice, the training device including a shaft having a first end and asecond end, the shaft further including an instructor handle locatedbetween the first end and the second end, and an extension memberlocated at the second end of the shaft and forming an oblique anglerelative to the shaft, the method comprising: a) grasping the first endof the shaft and the instructor handle of the training device; b) skiingto a side and behind a student skier; and c) extending the trainingdevice to engage a midsection of the student skier with the extensiondevice, whereby a speed of the student skier is capable of beingcontrolled by the ski instructor.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising student handles on the extension member, wherein the studenthandles provide the student skier with a feeling of ski poles.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the student handles are threadably connectedto the extension member.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the studenthandles are rotatable from a first position up out of a mean planeformed by the extension device when in use to a second position locatedin the mean plane of the extension device when not in use.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein hands of the student skier are placed on theextension member, whereby the student skier gains additional balanceskills and confidence.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprisingadjusting the instructor handle along the shaft to accommodate studentsof different heights and weights.
 15. A ski trainer device, of the typeused in connection with a student skier, comprising: a) a shaft, theshaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a midsection and having alongitudinal axis, the shaft being positioned on a single side of thestudent skier; b) a grip cooperatively connected to the proximal end ofthe shaft; and c) an extension member, the extension member having aconnected end and a free end, the extension member being connected tothe distal end of the shaft solely at the connected end, the extensionmember having a mean axis, the mean axis of the extension member formingan angle α with the longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the angle αis selected from the group consisting of an oblique angle, a right angleand an acute angle.